First, I find Japan’s protests in this matter somewhat ironic. Japan refuses to acknowledge the existence of a dispute with China over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, and has thus rejected China’s requests to negotiate over the issue.

Second, China has now created an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) around the islands. Japan, ironically, now does have a dispute with China over the ADIZ, even though it stubbornly refuses to acknowledge a dispute exists over the islands.

Third, the United States has offered to support Japan in the dispute if things turn ugly, while encouraging both sides to reach a peaceful solution. That solution will prove elusive as long as Japan refuses to negotiate.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe likes to compare his dispute with China to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the Falkland Islands. The difference is that at the time of the 1982 war between the United Kingdom and Argentina there were British subjects on the Falkland Islands (and still are). The same can’t be said for the Senkaku/Diaouyu Islands. Abe no doubt feels the situation with China suits his aims to amend the Constitution’s war-renouncing Article 9, but I hope sensible heads prevail.

CHRISTOPHER GLENN

Perth, Australia

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.